Open manhole: A threat for pedestrians

OPEN manholes are like death traps as they are the cause of around 600 deaths in a calendar year. Pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists and children are the most vulnerable victims of open and uncovered manholes. As things are, the city roads are not safe by any stretch of imagination due to existence of potholes on roads and pavements and the pedestrians are required to keep their eyes and ears open while traveling on foot. Open manholes are particularly dangerous for people who move along the road with headphones in their ears. Very often we find people talking or listening to music on mobile phones while crossing the roads. This is like an open invitation to accidents. We request both city corporations of Dhaka to take prompt steps to cover the open manholes and prevent undesired incidents of death and injury.

Iqbal Siddiqui

Shajahanpur, Dhaka